The epigenetic mechanisms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background to the research:

A quarter of the population in developed countries have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition can develop into impaired liver function as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). and eventually to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure or cancer. The initial driver of this disease pathway is an increased storage of fat in the liver which is linked to the high energy diets consumed in the 21st Century, and is associated with metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The epigenome is the interface between genes and the environment. Therefore, epigenetic changes are integral to a cell’s response to diet, drugs, disease and interventions. The strong links between diet and the epigenome are evidenced by the shared molecules of energy metabolism and epigenetic regulation, which ensures that there is constant ‘communication’ between the two processes.

My laboratory aims to reveal the roles that epigenetics has in the initiation and progression of NAFLD to more severe liver disease. Additionally, we are exploring the potential for modulation of epigenetic mechanisms themselves to be a therapy.